Description
These Gingerbread Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect festive treat combining rich gingerbread spices with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting. Soft, flavorful bars that are easy to prepare and ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 Tbsp (300g) all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients & Batter
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup (220g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (60ml) unsulphured molasses
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup butter, nearly at room temperature (preferably 1/4 cup salted butter and 1/4 cup unsalted butter)
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, nearly at room temperature
- 2 1/2 cups (325g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt for about 20 seconds. Set the mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Using an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the melted and cooled butter, light brown sugar, and molasses until well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Then, on low speed, gradually add the dry flour mixture and mix until the batter is just combined. Use a spatula to fold the batter gently until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Press with your hands to create a uniform layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 17 minutes until the bars are baked through but not overcooked. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish placed on a wire rack.
- Make Frosting: In the stand mixer bowl, beat the room temperature butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost Bars: Once the gingerbread bars have cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve and Store: Cut the bars into 20 equal squares. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator to keep fresh.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the bars; they should be just set and moist.
- For best frosting results, ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing.
- Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version, but texture may vary.
- Store the bars refrigerated for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
